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Penn State Pressure Points: A meeting of prototype quarterbacks and a look at the Lions' health

Ryan Keiser

Penn State safety Ryan Keiser, a former walk-on who is key special teams player, could not finish the Lions' win over Eastern Michigan due to an apparent head issue. Will he be ready to go against Central Florida Saturday at Beaver Stadium? Joe Hermitt, PennLive.com
(Joe Hermitt, PennLive.com)

He is what's hot as 2-0 Penn State begins preparations for Saturday's matchup with 2-0 Central Florida at Beaver Stadium …

THE REAL DEAL? My sense is that Penn State's fan base is not sure what to make of George O'Leary's Knights, who own impressive wins over Akron and Florida International. PSU has beaten Syracuse and Eastern Michigan. I think both teams still have a lot to prove. The oddsmakers like PSU but not by much. The Lions are a 5-point favorite as I write this and the total is 48.5.

THE BIG SHOW. Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg is 6-4, 220 and he is off to an impressive start to his career. The 18-year-old has completed 45 of 64 passes for 589 yards and three TDs (with 3 INTs). Sounds quite a bit like UCF quarterback Blake Bortles, who is a junior. Bortles goes 6-4, 230 and he has completed 30 of 43 passes for 528 yards and four TDs. He is also generating some buzz in NFL circles. I'm looking forward to seeing The Arms Race on Saturday.

NO PAIN, NO GAIN. Penn State outside linebacker Mike Hull (knee) did not play against Eastern Michigan and tight end Matt Lehman (knee) is out for the season. Add safety Ryan Keiser to the injury list. He didn't finish the EMU game with what likely is a head injury. Keiser is also the team's holder. The Lions, obviously, are not the same team without those three fellows.

FEELING STINGY. Penn State's defense didn't allow a touchdown against Eastern Michigan (SEE Hackenberg, fumble) and O'Leary's defense has only allowed seven points. And there's also this, courtesy of The Orlando Sentinel: The Knights have only allowed two plays of more than 20 yards.